From Cape Town to Walvis Bay Cruise

Where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, this varied route presents the wonders of creation. Experience every facet of Africa’s biodiversity.

07 March, 2021 to 22 March, 2021

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

GUARANTEED OUTSIDE CABIN£ 8955 GBP pp

When a guaranteed cabin is booked, a two-berth outside cabin will be provided (limited numbers). Cabins will be assigned shortly before the beginning of the cruise. If combined cruises are booked, we are unable to guarantee the same accommodation throughout. Your cabin number will be sent to you along with the travel documents.
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From Cape Town to Walvis Bay Cruise itinerary:

show reverse itinerary

Day 1 Cape Town/South Africa

Overnight stay on board
A safari of contrasts awaits you when the HANSEATIC inspiration transforms South Africa into a very special explorer’s terrain. Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is your starting point. Enjoy the evening atmosphere of Long Street with its Victorian buildings.

Day 2 Cape Town/South Africa

Departure 7.00 hrs

Day 3 Mossel Bay

From 7.00 to 14.00 hrs
The pioneering spirit of seafarer Bartolomeu Dias surrounds you in Mossel Bay. In 1488, he is said to have become the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. A replica of his caravel can be found in the museum here.

Day 4 Relaxation at sea

Day 5 East London

From 7.00 to 13.00 hrs
Take an independent shore visit and explore this idyllic city by the sea. The stunning beaches provide a taste of things to come on the Sunshine Coast and in East London. From here, your days will focus on the fascinating fauna – lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants and buffalo. The legendary “Big Five” are not actually the largest animals in Africa, but were once considered the most defensive by big-game hunters. Today, South Africa’s focus is on protecting its species – a respectful distance is maintained at all times on game drives. Your first animal sightings await as you cross the vast Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve*. Explore the South African bushland in open-top safari jeeps. The numerous rivers that spring from the Drakensberg mountain range are a lifeline for mammals and birds. Take a kayak tour on the Nahoon River* and explore shores that attract cormorants, kingfishers and herons. There is no way of knowing which species you will see – but this is what makes each game drive so exciting.

Day 6 Richards Bay

Arrival 19.30 hrs
Enjoy the same thrill when you set out from Richards Bay with the gamekeepers on a night safari to watch sea turtles*. Will you be lucky enough to catch them laying their eggs on the beach? If you have not yet managed to spot all of the “Big Five”, another opportunity presents itself on a two-day overland excursion to Phinda Private Game Reserve*. African experiences don’t get any better than this: animals in the wild, a comfortable lodge in the “Zulu-Zen” design and glorious red sunrises and sunsets. Here you have a good chance of seeing elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and antelopes. Alternatively, look for endangered black and white rhinos in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Nature Reserve*; you might also see some lions and zebras.

Day 7 Richards Bay

Departure 19.00 hrs

Day 8 Durban

From 7.00 to 22.00 hrs
Durban is a unique melting pot of Indian, European and African cultures. From here, a game drive through Tala Game Reserve* will take you through the bush, and with a little luck past hippos, ostriches and various species of water birds and birds of prey. Spectacular landscapes await on a three-day overland excursion: pure nature in the kingdom of Lesotho*. Head up into the southerly Drakensberg mountains, a barren place of winding switchbacks, dramatic passes and vast panoramas before rejoining the ship in Port Elizabeth.

Day 9 Relaxation at sea

Day 10 Port Elizabeth

Arrival 8.00 hrs
From the coastal city, you have plenty of opportunities to delve deep into the heart of Africa. Perhaps you’ll discover some unforgettable scenes: giraffes and zebras cooling themselves at the water holes, or a group of warthogs searching the ground for food. Kariega Private Game Reserve* is home to more than 25 wild species and over 200 species of bird. In the midst of nature, spend a night at the Pumba Private Game Reserve* and marvel as you watch the wildlife wake before the sun has even risen. Addo Elephant National Park* is focused entirely on these colossal creatures. The population had nearly died out when the park was founded in 1931; today, it is home to around 400 elephants. The township tour – South Africa with a difference* gives you the chance to meet the residents and learn about the 1923 Natives Urban Areas Act.

Day 11 Port Elizabeth

Departure 13.00 hrs

Days 12 - 13 Relaxation at sea

Day 14 Luderitz/Namibia

From 15.00 to 20.00 hrs
Colourful Luderitz greets you on the edge of the Namib desert with numerous buildings from the German colonial era. The cruise may come to an end when you reach Walvis Bay, but your vibrant memories of Africa will never fade.

Day 15 Walvis Bay/Namibia

Arrival 23.00 hrs
Overnight stay on board

Day 16 Walvis Bay/Namibia

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

From Cape Town to Walvis Bay Cruise reverse itinerary:

show main itinerary

Itineraries are subject to change.

Arrival 23.00 hrs
Overnight stay on board

From 15.00 to 20.00 hrs
Colourful Luderitz greets you on the edge of the Namib desert with numerous buildings from the German colonial era. The cruise may come to an end when you reach Walvis Bay, but your vibrant memories of Africa will never fade.

Departure 13.00 hrs

Arrival 8.00 hrs
From the coastal city, you have plenty of opportunities to delve deep into the heart of Africa. Perhaps you’ll discover some unforgettable scenes: giraffes and zebras cooling themselves at the water holes, or a group of warthogs searching the ground for food. Kariega Private Game Reserve* is home to more than 25 wild species and over 200 species of bird. In the midst of nature, spend a night at the Pumba Private Game Reserve* and marvel as you watch the wildlife wake before the sun has even risen. Addo Elephant National Park* is focused entirely on these colossal creatures. The population had nearly died out when the park was founded in 1931; today, it is home to around 400 elephants. The township tour – South Africa with a difference* gives you the chance to meet the residents and learn about the 1923 Natives Urban Areas Act.

From 7.00 to 22.00 hrs
Durban is a unique melting pot of Indian, European and African cultures. From here, a game drive through Tala Game Reserve* will take you through the bush, and with a little luck past hippos, ostriches and various species of water birds and birds of prey. Spectacular landscapes await on a three-day overland excursion: pure nature in the kingdom of Lesotho*. Head up into the southerly Drakensberg mountains, a barren place of winding switchbacks, dramatic passes and vast panoramas before rejoining the ship in Port Elizabeth.

Departure 19.00 hrs

Arrival 19.30 hrs
Enjoy the same thrill when you set out from Richards Bay with the gamekeepers on a night safari to watch sea turtles*. Will you be lucky enough to catch them laying their eggs on the beach? If you have not yet managed to spot all of the “Big Five”, another opportunity presents itself on a two-day overland excursion to Phinda Private Game Reserve*. African experiences don’t get any better than this: animals in the wild, a comfortable lodge in the “Zulu-Zen” design and glorious red sunrises and sunsets. Here you have a good chance of seeing elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and antelopes. Alternatively, look for endangered black and white rhinos in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Nature Reserve*; you might also see some lions and zebras.

From 7.00 to 13.00 hrs
Take an independent shore visit and explore this idyllic city by the sea. The stunning beaches provide a taste of things to come on the Sunshine Coast and in East London. From here, your days will focus on the fascinating fauna – lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants and buffalo. The legendary “Big Five” are not actually the largest animals in Africa, but were once considered the most defensive by big-game hunters. Today, South Africa’s focus is on protecting its species – a respectful distance is maintained at all times on game drives. Your first animal sightings await as you cross the vast Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve*. Explore the South African bushland in open-top safari jeeps. The numerous rivers that spring from the Drakensberg mountain range are a lifeline for mammals and birds. Take a kayak tour on the Nahoon River* and explore shores that attract cormorants, kingfishers and herons. There is no way of knowing which species you will see – but this is what makes each game drive so exciting.

From 7.00 to 14.00 hrs
The pioneering spirit of seafarer Bartolomeu Dias surrounds you in Mossel Bay. In 1488, he is said to have become the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. A replica of his caravel can be found in the museum here.

Departure 7.00 hrs

Overnight stay on board
A safari of contrasts awaits you when the HANSEATIC inspiration transforms South Africa into a very special explorer’s terrain. Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is your starting point. Enjoy the evening atmosphere of Long Street with its Victorian buildings.

* = Indicative

MS Hanseatic

Vessel Type:

Length: 403ft

Passenger Capacity: 175

Built:1991

Aboard the M/S Hanseatic you will discover your very own personal expedition. Due to the background five-star service, you will enjoy your holiday to the maximum and it will become an unforgettable experience.

The Hanseatic was built in 1991 in Finland. It weighs 8380 tons and has a draught of 4,90 meters only. It is a small and versatile ship used for expeditions but at the same time it offers more than average space for its 175 passengers. On its expedition-cruises extraordinary destinations such as Antarctica, Greenland, Micronesia or the North Western Passage are to be found on the itinerary. Apart from these, destinations as Norway, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea or the Mediterranean Sea are also attractive to the Hanseatic for their more individual smaller ports, off the tourist track. The itineraries are designed in a very individual and respectful manner.

Atmosphere on board

The Hanseatic is an attractive cruise ship for the explorer type of tourist. Moreover, it offers a five star standard to its guests. During the day the dress code on board is casually sporty and ashore mainly comfortable and appropriate to the destination visited. Only for the occasion of the Captain's dinner a formal dress code would be recommended. Most of the guests belong to the middle to advanced age-groups. The Hanseatic is less attractive to families.

Living aboard

During the day meals are offered within an open seating. In the evening dinner is served in the main restaurant. There is enough capacity in the main restaurant for all guests at once. The excellent culinary offer fulfills the standard of a five star service. Each cruise of the Hanseatic is accompanied by specialized lectors who will be happy to answer all your questions on the current itinerary. In exciting and interesting presentations you will gain all important background knowledge on the visited destinations in the Darwin Hall. Once reached the destination you will shipped out in individual Zodiacs with a small group only. This will offer you a chance to experience the wonders of our nature in the most possible individual way. There a sauna, a gym and a sun bed to be found aboard the Hanseatic. On deck there is a temperature-regulated pool which is filled with sea water. Moreover, there are bicycles onboard that you can use free of charge for individual excursions in the destinations.

Cabins

All cabins are comfortable and designed elegant. The average size of 22 square meter (suites 44 square meter) offers enough space for the guests. There are exclusively outside cabins. All cabins are equipped with a television with satellite program and a possibility to send and receive emails. Your mini bar will be topped up with non-alcoholic drinks free of charge on a daily basis.

Be the guest of honour when the HANSEATIC inspiration sets sail for the first time from France’s Atlantic coast to Portugal’s island of flowers. This is a bilingual cruise with ......click here to read more.